Towel holder and dispenser

ABSTRACT

A dispenser has a base which includes an open connecting end positioned at one end of the base. The open connecting end is configured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to an object. The base may include one or more arms, one or more legs, and one or more feet. The dispenser is configured to hold a roll of sheet material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sheet materials, such as towels having cellulosic material and/ornonwoven materials, are frequently used in industrial and commercialenvironments. Such towels permit a user's hands and other items, suchas, for example, tools, paint brushes, and so forth, to be quickly andeasily wiped off. These towels are usually perforated and wound onto aroll.

It is difficult, however, for a user to hold a roll of towels anddispense individual towels from the roll. Such action usually takes bothhands; one hand to hold the roll and the other hand to remove a sheetfrom the roll. A roll can be inadvertently knocked over from thelocation it is placed, if it is not properly secured.

Present dispensers for such sheet materials often must be permanentlyfastened to a stationary object. Alternatively, dispensers which are notfastened, but hold a roll via a base having a rod positioned through anopening in the roll, are also easily inadvertently knocked over when asheet material is pulled too vigorously by a user, and so forth.

Therefore, is desirable to have a dispenser for sheet materials, such asa roll of towels, which may easily connect and disconnect to an objectwhile securely holding a roll in place in the dispenser. Such adispenser desirably permits easy and rapid loading of a roll of towels.Further, such a dispenser is desirably a unitary piece which includes atleast one movable part formed from a resilient material. Further, it isdesirable that such a dispenser has few if any separately connectedparts. Such a dispenser is desirably inexpensive to manufacture,lightweight, and permits a user to easily remove a sheet material fromthe roll without causing waste by causing too many sheets to be removed,or by inadvertently knocking over the dispenser.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “sheet material” means a material that is thinin comparison to its length and breadth. Generally speaking, sheetmaterials should exhibit a relatively flat planar configuration and beflexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, and the like. Exemplarysheet materials include, but are not limited to, paper tissue, papertowels, label rolls, or other fibrous, film, polymers, nonwovens and/orfilamentary products.

As used herein, the term “fasteners” means devices that fasten, join,connect, secure, hold, or clamp components together. Fasteners include,but are not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, snap-fits,tacks, nails, loop fasteners, and interlocking male/female connectors,such as fishhook connectors, a fish hook connector includes a maleportion with a protrusion on its circumference. Inserting the maleportion into the female portion substantially permanently locks the twoportions together.

As used herein, the term “hinge” refers to a jointed or flexible devicethat connects and permits pivoting or turning of a part to a stationarycomponent. Hinges include, but are not limited to, metal pivotableconnectors, such as those used to fasten a door to frame, and livinghinges. Living hinges may be constructed from plastic and formedintegrally between two members. A living hinge permits pivotablemovement of one member in relation to another connected member.

As user herein, the terms “couple” and “connect” include, but are notlimited to, joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating twothings integrally or interstitially together.

These terms may be defined with additional language in the remainingportions of the specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, adispenser is provided which comprises a base. The base includes acentral portion having an edge, as well as a first arm positioned at oneend of the base and a second arm positioned at an opposite end of thebase. Each first and second arm extend a distance from the base andcarrying a boss. Each boss is positioned in a spaced-apart andconfronting relationship. At least one of the first and second arms areconfigured to move. The base further includes an open connecting endhaving an apex. The open connecting end is positioned opposite the firstarm at one end of the base. The open connecting end is configured topermit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to an object. When atleast the one arm is moved, a roll of sheets is positioned between thefirst and second arm. The boss on each first and second arm ispositioned against at least a portion of a flat face of a roll. The edgeof the central portion is positioned adjacent a cylindrical body of theroll to permit a roll to rotate to allow sheets to be withdrawn but toprevent sheets from unwinding from a rolled position. An axis extendsthrough the apex of the open connecting end and through each boss.

In another aspect of the invention, a dispenser is provided whichcomprises a base. The base includes an open connecting end positioned atone end of the base. The open connecting end has an apex, and the openconnecting end is configured to permit the dispenser to be releasablycoupled to an object. The base also includes a pair of legs connected toa portion of the open connecting end. The legs extend a distance fromthe open connecting end and each leg includes a free end. At least oneleg is configured to be movable. The base further includes a pair offeet. Each foot is positioned at a free end of each leg. The feet arepositioned in a spaced apart and opposing relationship. When at leastone leg is moved, the position of the legs permit them to be moved intoand through an opening in a roll of sheets. The at least one movable legmoves to its previous position after emerging from an opening such thata portion of a flat face of a roll is positioned over a portion of eachfoot and held in a dispensing position.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a dispenser is provided whichcomprises a base. The base includes an open connecting end. The openconnecting end is positioned at one end of the base. The open connectingend is configured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to anobject. The base also includes an elongated bar connected to one end ofthe open connecting end. The elongated bar extends downward a distancefrom the one end to a free end. A foot is carried by the bar at the freeend thereof. At least a portion of the foot is configured to be movable.When at least a portion of the foot is moved, the foot and bar arepositioned to pass into and through an opening in a roll of sheets. Thefoot is configured to move to its previous position after emerging froman opening in a roll. At least a portion of the foot is positionedadjacent a portion of a flat face of a roll to hold it in a dispensingposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a towel holder anddispenser of the present invention, a roll of sheet material (shown inphantom lines) mounted in the dispenser and supported for dispensing;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a lateral side of the towel holder anddispenser of FIG. 1, showing lateral surfaces;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a right side of the towel holder and dispenserof FIGS. 1 and 2, showing a narrow width and side profile of thedispenser;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a top side of the towel holder and dispenser ofFIGS. 1 and 2, showing the narrow profile of the dispenser;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a towel holder anddispenser of the present invention, a roll of sheet material (shown inphantom lines) mounted in the dispenser and supported for dispensing;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the towel holder and dispenser of FIG. 5,showing a pair of legs;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a right side of the towel holder and dispenserof FIGS. 5 and 6, showing a narrow width and side profile of thedispenser;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a bottom side of the towel holder and dispenserof FIGS. 5 and 6, showing the narrow side profile of the dispenser;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a towel holderand dispenser of the present invention, a roll of sheet material (shownin phantom lines) mounted in the dispenser and supported for dispensing;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the towel holder and dispenser of FIG. 9,showing a controlling arm and a foot;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a right side of the towel holder and dispenserof FIGS. 9 and 10, showing a narrow width and side profile of thedispenser; and

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a top side of the towel holder and dispenserof FIGS. 9 and 10, showing the narrow side profile of the dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample and embodiment is provided by way of explanation of theinvention, and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. Forexample, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment maybe used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Itis intended that the invention include these and other modifications andvariations as coming within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Referring to the figures in general, a dispenser for a roll of sheetmaterial is provided. It should be appreciated that the presentinvention is not limited to any particular type of sheets. That is, thedispenser may also dispense dry sheets and/or premoistened sheets. Suchconfigurations for dry sheets and/or premoistened sheets are well knownto those of ordinary skill in the art and need not be described in greatdetail herein. If premoistened sheets are dispensed, such sheets willgenerally have a wrapper positioned around the roll; a slit may be madein the wrapper to permit sheets of material to be withdrawn from theroll (not shown).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, a dispenser 10 according to the inventionis provided for dispensing sheets of material or sheets 12, such as, butnot by way of limitation, towels, from a roll 14. The sheets 12 may beconstructed from any material or combination of materials, and may bepartially separated by perforations formed in the roll, or,alternatively, the roll may be continuous without perforations.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser 10 includes an elongated base 16. Thebase 16 includes a first arm 18 which is spaced away and extends fromone end thereof. The first arm 18 provides a hook or open connecting end20 on one side of the first arm 18. The open connecting end 20 includesan apex 22. The configuration of the open connecting end 20 may include“C”, “J”, “U”, or “V” configurations, or any configuration orcombination of configurations which permits the open connecting end 20to operate in the manner shown and/or described herein. The openconnecting end 20 is desirably sized larger than an opening in a roll,so that the open connecting end 20 will not pass through such anopening.

The base also includes a second arm 24 which is spaced away and extendsfrom an opposite end of the base 16. An inner edge 26 of the first arm18 and the second arm 24 are desirably positioned in a parallelalignment relative to each other. Each first and second arm 18, 24desirably extend, for example, but not by way of limitation, at about a90 degree angle from the base 16.

The base 16 also includes a central portion 27 having an edge 28, whichis positioned adjacent to the roll 14 of sheets 12 (FIG. 1). The baseincludes an outer curved edge 29, which extends around the outer edgesof the base 16. Together, the edges 26, 28 and the curved edge 29cooperate to provide a perimeter edge 30 which provides a narrow sideprofile or width 31 for the base 16 when the dispenser 10 is viewedalong its perimeter edge 30, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. That is, theprofile or width 31 of the base 16 is desirably in a range of about 0.1inch to about 1.0 inches. Even more desirably, the profile or width 31is in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch. More desirably, theprofile or width 31 is in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch.The base 16 has a broader profile when its lateral surfaces 32 areviewed in a side view (FIG. 2). The lateral surfaces 32 are positionedbetween the edge 28 and the outer curved edge 29. The outer curved edge29 extends over an outer portion of the dispenser and provides a smoothsurface for a user to carry the dispenser 10, so that no sharp edges arepresented to cause inadvertent injury to a user.

An opening 34 is formed through the central area 27 of the lateralsurfaces 32. The opening 34 is sized to cooperate with the lateralsurfaces 32 and the outer curved edge 29 to provide a handle 38 throughwhich a user may desirably position at least some, and desirably, mostof his/her fingers to permit a user to easily carry the dispenser 10. Aperimeter 40 of the opening 34 provides no slot or access to the opening34 through the central portion 27 and edge 28 or through the outercurved edge 29.

The first arm 18 also includes, opposite to the open connecting end 20,a first boss 42. A second boss 44 is positioned in a spaced-apart andconfronting position relative to the first boss 42 on the second arm 24.Each first and second boss 42, 44 includes an apex 46. The first andsecond bosses 42, 44 are positioned to extend into a flat face 48 of aroll 14 of sheets 12, or, alternatively, into an opening 50 formed in orthrough the roll 14 of sheets 12. Each first and second boss 42, 44 aredesirably, but not by way of limitation, generally “D” shaped. It willbe understood, however, that any shape, or combination of shapes,including, but not limited to spikes, spokes, prongs, hemispheres, andso forth, may be used as either a first and/or second boss 42, 44. Thefirst and second bosses may include supports 52 which assist in holdingthe first and second bosses 42, 44 in a position to receive a roll 14 ofsheets 12. The first and second bosses 42, 44 and/or the supports 52 maybe integrally formed with the base 16, or, alternatively, separatelycoupled thereto.

The first and second bosses 42, 44 are desirably, but not by way oflimitation, positioned in longitudinal alignment with the first andsecond arms 18, 24. A first axis 54 extends through the apex 46 of thefirst and second bosses 42, 44 as well as through the apex 22 of theopen connecting end 20. The first axis 54 is positioned in a parallelalignment relative to the edge 28 of the central portion 27 of the base16. Such positioning of the open connecting end 20 and the bosses 42, 44permit the dispenser 10 to properly balance and dispense sheets 14 fromthe roll 14 from a generally vertical, horizontal, or oblique angle.

The dispenser 10 may be formed as a unitary, integral unit from aresilient material. Alternatively, at least one of the first and secondarms 18, 24 are desirably formed from a resilient material which permitssome deflection, movement, or bending of one of the first and secondarms 18, 24 to permit a roll 14 to be mounted on the first and secondbosses 42, 44. The resilient material may include one or more ofmaterials such as plastic, polymer, nylon, and so forth. The dispensermay be constructed from more than one material. The dispenser 10 may bemade from wood, metal, plastic, rubber, fiber, and any combinationthereof.

A roll 14 of sheets 12 generally has a cylindrical body 56 and oppositeends 58 having flat faces 48. The sheets 12 may be wound around acylindrical core (not shown) which provides the opening 50, or may bewound to provide the opening 50 without a core, or may be woundcontinuously such that no opening or core is provided (not shown). Theopening 50 may be formed in one flat face 48 of the roll 14 whichextends through the cylindrical body 56 of the roll 14 to the oppositeflat face 48. Alternatively, the roll may have only an indentation ineach flat face, without having an opening which extends through the roll(not shown). In yet another alternative, the roll may be providedwithout any indentation or any opening therein (not shown). In all orthese instances, the first and second bosses 42, 44 are provided toconnect to a portion of the flat faces 48 of the roll 14; any opening 50or indentation shown and/or described herein is deemed a portion of theflat faces 48 as well. A portion of the base 16, namely, the first andsecond arms 18, 24 and the central portion 27 and edge 28 are positionedaround the roll 14 such that each first and second arms 18, 24 desirablyextend from a center of each flat face 48 of the roll 14 and the centralportion 27 and edge 28 extends along the length of the cylindrical body54, supporting the roll 14 to permit sheets 12 to be withdrawn butlimiting the roll 14 from unwinding as a result of wind, motion, and soforth.

The open connecting end 20 permits the dispenser 10 to be connected topoles, bars, hooks, and so forth, such as a rung of a ladder, and soforth. An end surface 64 of the open connecting end 20 may include aplurality of ridges or ribs 66. In addition, an opposite surface 68spaced-apart from the end surface 64 may also, but not by way oflimitation, include a plurality of ridges or ribs as well (not shown).Such ribs 66 desirably grip a surface of an object to permit thedispenser 10 to more firmly and/or securely connect to such an object.The first and second arms 18, 24 and the central portion 27 and edge 28of the base 16 are spaced to permit the roll 14 to be easily inserted,and are spaced from the roll 14 to permit the roll 14 to easily rotateabout the first axis 54 on the bosses 42, 44 on each first and secondarm 18, 24.

The handle 38 is positioned such that the perimeter 40 includes astraight portion 70 which assists in defining the opening 34 of thehandle 38, and which is aligned with a first axis 54 via a second axis72. The first axis 54 and the second axis 72 are positioned in parallelalignment. The edge 28 of the base 16 is positioned in parallelalignment with the first and second axis 54, 72; the roll edge 28 isalso generally parallel to the first axis 54, the second axis 72 and thecylindrical roll body 54 of the roll 14.

In a method of use of the dispenser 10, a roll 14 of sheets 12 isreleasably positioned on the dispenser 10 and held for dispensing by thedispenser 10 when at least one arm 18, 24 is moved, deflected or bentoutward in a direction 74 (FIG. 2) such that the roll 14 may bepositioned between the first and second arms 18, 24. The flat faces 48on each end 58 of the roll 14 are positioned such that each boss 42, 44,of the first and second arms 18, 24, respectively are positioned in thecenter of each flat face 48. In the example shown, each boss 42 ispositioned in an opening 50 which is formed through the center of oneflat face 48, the opening desirably extends through the cylindrical body56 and through the center of the opposite flat face 48. Desirably, theedge 28 of the central portion 27 controls the unwinding and removal ofthe sheets 12 from the roll 14.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, a dispenser 110 isprovided for dispensing sheets 12 from a roll 14. The dispenser 110includes a base 116.

The base 116 includes a hook or an open connecting end 118 formed at anupper end thereof. The open connecting end 118 includes an apex 120. Theconfiguration of the open connecting end 118 may include anyconfiguration shown and/or described herein. In the present embodiment,but not by way of limitation, the open connecting end 118 provides agenerally “C” shape, to permit easy connection and release by a user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the base 116 includes a bar 122 which extends acrossthe lower end of the “C” of the open connecting end 118 and amid-portion 124. The bar 122 has a flat surface 125 which is positionedadjacent the flat face 48 of the roll 14. The mid-portion 124 includes,as illustrated in a side view (FIGS. 5 and 6) lateral surfaces 126(FIGS. 7 and 8). Two elongated legs 128,130 connect to and extenddownward from the mid-portion 124.

An outer edge 132 of each leg 128,130 is generally parallel relative tothe other. An inner edge 134 of each leg 128, 130 cooperates to define agenerally “V” shape between each leg 128,130. The outer edge 132 extendsfrom the bar 122 and downward along each leg 128, 130. The legs 128, 130includes a pair of feet 136. That is, legs 128, 130 each has a foot 136formed at a free end 138 of each leg 128, 130. Each foot 136 includes,but not by way of limitation, a rounded portion 140 and flat lip 142.Each foot 136 extends outward at about a 90 degree angle with respect tothe outer edge 132 of each leg 128, 130, such that each foot 136 ispositioned in a spaced-apart and opposing relationship relative to theother foot 136. The flat lip 142 of each foot 136 is desirablypositioned adjacent the flat face 48 of the roll 14. It will beunderstood that other configurations of the foot 136 may be used, solong as the configurations operates as shown and/or described herein.

The base 116 includes a perimeter edge 143. The perimeter edge 143extends about the open connecting end 118 and the bar 122, andcooperates with the outer edge 132 of each leg 128, 132, each foot 136,and the inner edge 134 each leg to provide a narrow side profile orwidth 144 of the dispenser 110 when the side edges are viewed in a planview (FIGS. 7 and 8). The profile or width 144 of the base 116 isdesirably in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 1.0 inches. Even moredesirably, the profile or width 144 is in a range of about 0.1 inch toabout 0.75 inch. More desirably, the profile is in a range of about 0.1inch to about 0.5 inch.

A first axis 145 is positioned through the apex 120 of the openconnecting end 118 and extends downward, between the legs 128, 130,which are equally spaced from each inward edge 146 of each foot 136 tothe first axis 145. The positioning of the apex 120 of the openconnecting end 118 relative to each leg 128,130 and each foot 136thereof permits the roll 14 to be properly and securely held by the base116 of the dispenser 110 for proper dispensing therefrom at a generallyvertical, horizontal, or oblique angle. Each outer edge 132 of each leg128, 130 is positioned generally parallel to the first axis 145. Theposition of each flat lip 142 of each foot 136 is generally at a 90degree angle or transverse relative to the first axis 145.

The dispenser 10 may be formed as a unitary, integral unit from aresilient material. Alternatively, at least one of the legs 128, 130 aredesirably formed from a resilient material which permits some movement,deflection or bending of the leg 128 or 130, while one or more portionsof the dispenser 10 are formed from one or more additional materials.

In a method of use of the dispenser 110, a roll 14 of sheets 12 isreleasably positioned on the dispenser 110 and held for dispensing bythe dispenser 110 when at least one leg 128, 130 is deflected or movedor bent inward in a direction 148 (FIG. 6). The roll 14 is positionedsuch that each foot 136 and the legs 128, 130 are introduced into theopening 50 of the roll 14. The roll 14 is moved upward until one flatface 48 on one end 58 of the roll 14 is positioned adjacent the flatportion 125 of the bar 122 and the opposite flat face 48 on the oppositeend 58 of the roll 14 is positioned adjacent each flat lip 142 of eachfoot 136. When the roll is moved past each foot 136, the moved, bent ordeflected leg(s) 128, 130 move outward to its/their previous positionand the flat lip of each foot desirably supports the end 58 of the roll14 and prevents the roll 14 from falling off of the base 116 whileholding the sheets 12 in a wound position in the roll 14. In analternative, the dispenser 110 may include a controlling arm, describedbelow, to assist in controlling the sheets 12.

In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, a dispenser 210is provided for dispensing sheets 12 from a roll 14. The dispenser 210includes a base 216.

The base 116 includes a hook or an open connecting end 218 formed at anupper end thereof. The open connecting end 218 includes a flat upperportion 220, which is offset from a longitudinal alignment with anelongated bar 222. The flat upper potion 220 is configured to be widerthan the opening 50 in a roll 14. The configuration of the openconnecting end 218 may include any configuration shown and/or describedherein. In the present embodiment, the open connecting end provides agenerally “J” shape, to permit easy connection and release by a user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the base 216 includes an elongated bar 222 whichextends longitudinally between the open connecting end 218 and an end224. The bar 222 includes a controlling arm 225 which extends outwardtransversely at generally 90 degree angle therefrom. The controlling arm225 is desirably positioned adjacent the flat face 48 of the roll 14when a roll 14 is mounted on the base 216. In the present embodiment,the controlling arm 225 is in a fixed position at about a 90 degreeangle relative to the bar 222. Alternatively, the controlling arm 225may be coupled by a pin, hinge, fastener, and so forth such that thecontrolling arm 225 is movable from its extended generally perpendicularposition away from the bar 222 into a longitudinal alignment with thebar 222.

The bar 222 includes, at the end 224, a cross bar or foot 226 whichextends at about a 90 degree angle or perpendicular angle relative tothe bar 222 when in the dispensing position. The foot 226 may include asingle movable, bendable or deflectable foot 226 which may be coupledvia a pin 228 to the end 224 of the bar 222 (FIGS. 9 and 10), or,alternatively, the foot 226 may be integrally formed therewith (notshown). Alternatively, the foot 226 may be coupled to the bar 222 topermit the foot 226 to be moved into a longitudinal alignment with thebar 222 when a roll 14 is mounted thereon and into a transversealignment generally perpendicular to the bar 222 when positioned in adispensing position to hold the roll 14 in a dispensing position. Inanother alternative, the foot 226 may include a first foot and a secondfoot, each of which are movable out of the transverse position eitherupward or downward into a generally longitudinal alignment with the bar222 to permit loading a roll 14 on the bar 222 (not shown). It will beunderstood that other configurations for one foot or two feet may beused, so long as the configuration(s) operate(s) as shown and/ordescribed herein.

The base 216 includes lateral surfaces 226, as shown in FIGS. 9-12. Thebase 216 also includes a perimeter side edge 230. The perimeter sideedge 230 provides a narrow side profile or width 231 of the dispenser110 when it is viewed in a plan view of the narrow profile or width 231(FIGS. 11 and 12). The profile or width 231 of the base 216 at theperimeter side edge 230 is desirably in a range of about 0.1 inch toabout 1.0 inches. Even more desirably, the profile or width 231 is in arange of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch. More desirably, the profileor width 231 is in a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch.

A first axis 234 is positioned through the bar 222 of the base 216.Desirably, each free end 236 of the foot 226 is equally spaced outwardfrom the first axis 234. Each free end 236 of the foot 226 may begenerally positioned parallel to the first axis 234. The base 216 isconfigured to balance and permit securely hold a roll 14 of sheets 12for proper dispensing from the dispenser 210 at a generally vertical,horizontal, or oblique angle.

The dispenser 210 may be formed from a resilient material.Alternatively, at least the foot 226 is desirably formed from aresilient material which permits some movement, bending or deflectionthereof to permit a roll 14 to be mounted on the bar 222. It will beunderstood that one or more portions of the dispenser 210 may be formedfrom one or more materials.

In a method of use of the dispenser 210, a roll 14 of sheets 12 isreleasably positioned on the dispenser 110 and held for dispensing bythe dispenser 110 when each free end 236 of the foot 226 is moved, bentor deflected upward in a direction 238 (FIG. 10) when the end 224 of thedispenser 210 is moved into the opening 50 of the roll 14. The roll 14is moved upward until the flat face 48 of one end 50 of the roll 14 ispositioned adjacent the controlling arm 225. The foot 226 remainsdeflected, bent or moved until it emerges from the opposite end 58 ofthe roll 14, when it moves back to its generally transverse positionrelative to the bar 222 and it is positioned adjacent the flat face 48on the opposite end 58 of the roll 14. The controlling arm 225 as wellas the foot 226 act to control and limit unwinding of sheets 12 from theroll 14, so that waste is reduced or prevented.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, certain structures,such as one or more arms, one or more legs and/or one or more bars mayfacilitate holding a roll and limit undesired unwinding of the roll byat least a degree of frictional engagement or frictional contact. Itwill also be understood that, in some embodiments, these same structuresmay facilitate rotation of the roll to permit desired unwinding of theroll. Similarly, devices provided alongside the roll, such as an edge,may include a serrated surface (not shown) to permit separating the rollinto separate sheets.

The embodiments shown and/or described herein desirably provide adispenser which is a single unit, which has only or two movableelements. Further, the embodiment shown and/or described hereindesirably provide a dispenser which can be easily carried in one hand bya user, and easily and releasably coupled to any number of objects.

It will be appreciated that any dispenser shown and/or described hereinmay use any structure, element, feature and/or characteristic shownand/or described herein. All structures, elements, features and/orcharacteristics, alone or in any combination, are deemed within thescope of the invention.

While the present invention has been described in connection withcertain preferred embodiments it is to be understood that the subjectmatter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limitedto those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for thesubject matter of the invention to include all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit andscope of the following claims.

1. A dispenser, comprising: a base including a central portion having anedge, the base including a first arm positioned at one end of the baseand a second arm positioned at an opposite end of the base, each firstand second arm extending a distance from the base and carrying a boss,each boss positioned in a spaced-apart and confronting relationship, atleast one of the first and second arms configured to move; and an openconnecting end having an apex, the open connecting end positionedopposite the first arm at one end of the base, the open connecting endconfigured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to anobject, wherein when at least the one arm is moved, a roll of sheets ispositioned between the first and second arm and the boss on each firstand second arm is positioned against at least a portion of a flat faceof a roll, the edge of the central portion positioned adjacent acylindrical body of the roll to permit a roll to rotate to allow sheetsto be withdrawn but to prevent sheets from unwinding from a rolledposition, and wherein an axis extends through the apex of the openconnecting end and through each boss.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1,wherein the central area includes an opening formed therein having aperimeter, the opening sized to permit a user's hand to extend at leastpartially therethrough thereby providing a handle for carrying thedispenser.
 3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the opening in thehandle is parallel to the axis.
 4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein theedge of the central area is parallel to the axis.
 5. The dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein at least one arm is constructed from a resilientmaterial.
 6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the at least one arm isconfigured to bend to permit a roll to be mounted in the dispenser. 7.The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the resilient material comprisesplastic.
 8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser isconstructed of wood, metal, plastic, rubber, fiber, and any combinationthereof.
 9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a width of the dispenseris within a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch.
 10. Thedispenser of claim 9, wherein a width of the dispenser is within a rangeof about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch.
 11. A dispenser, comprising: a baseincluding an open connecting end positioned at one end of the base, theopen connecting end having an apex, the open connecting end configuredto permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to an object; a pair oflegs connected to a portion of the open connecting end, the legsextending a distance from the open connecting end and including a freeend, at least one leg configured to be movable; and a pair of feet, eachfoot positioned at a free end of each leg, the feet positioned in aspaced apart and opposing relationship, wherein when at least one leg ismoved, the position of the legs permit them to be moved into and throughan opening in a roll of sheets, the at least one movable leg moving toits previous position after emerging from an opening such that a portionof a flat face of a roll is positioned over a portion of each foot andheld in a dispensing position.
 12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein aholding bar is carried by the opening connecting end, the holding barconfigured to be positioned adjacent a flat face of a roll.
 13. Thedispenser of claim 12, wherein the legs are joined together near thebar.
 14. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein an axis extends through theapex of the open connecting end and between the legs, the legsconfigured to be generally equally spaced from the axis.
 15. Thedispenser of claim 11, wherein at least one leg is constructed from aresilient material.
 16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the at leastone leg is configured to bend to permit a roll to be mounted in thedispenser.
 17. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the resilient materialcomprises plastic.
 18. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the dispenseris constructed from wood, metal, plastic, rubber, fiber, and anycombination thereof.
 19. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein a width ofthe dispenser is within a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch.20. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein a width of the dispenser iswithin a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch.
 21. A dispenser,comprising: a base including an open connecting end, the open connectingend positioned at one end of the base, the open connecting endconfigured to permit the dispenser to be releasably coupled to anobject; an elongated bar connected to one end of the open connecting endand extending downward a distance therefrom to a free end; and a footcarried by the bar at the free end thereof, at least a portion of thefoot configured to be movable; wherein when at least a portion of thefoot is moved, the foot and bar are positioned to pass into and throughan opening in a roll of sheets, the foot configured to move to itsprevious position after emerging from an opening in a roll, at least aportion of the foot positioned adjacent a portion of a flat face of aroll to hold it in a dispensing position.
 22. The dispenser of claim 21,wherein the elongated bar includes a controlling arm.
 23. The dispenserof claim 22, wherein the controlling arm controls unwinding of a roll.24. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein the foot is constructed from aresilient material.
 25. The dispenser of claim 24, wherein the foot isconfigured to bend to permit a roll to be mounted in the dispenser. 26.The dispenser of claim 24, wherein the resilient material comprisesplastic.
 27. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein the dispenser isconstructed from wood, metal, plastic, rubber, fiber, and anycombination thereof.
 28. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein a width ofthe dispenser is within a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.75 inch.29. The dispenser of claim 28, wherein a width of the dispenser iswithin a range of about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch.